IC-NRLF 


QL 


B    3 


LIBRARY 

OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA. 


e * 


GIFT    OF 


BIOLOGY 

UBRAK" 

G 


Class 


Guide 


to 


<The  Birds  of  the  Pacific 
Coast 


Bm  ' 


A  Guide 


TO 


The   Birds  of  the   Pacific 
Coast 


BY 

(£.  A.  §>trbbtttfi 

*  / 

Supervisor  of  Nature  Study,  Training  School 

Ghico  State  Normal  School 

Chico,  Calif. 


PUBLICATIONS  of  THE  STATE  NORMAL  SCHOOL 

CHICO,  CALIFORNIA,  OCTOBER,  1908 

BULLETIN  NUMBER  TWO 


OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY 

OF 


INTRODUCTION 


ME  dead  body  of  a  California  woodpecker  with  the  bruised 
form  showing  only  too  plainly  the  work  of  the  small  boy 
and  his  dangerous  slingshot  caused  us  to  look  into  the 
ways  and  means  of  handling  such  ever-occurring  inci- 
dents. A  prominent  attorney  was  consulted,  and  he  re- 
marked, "Of  course  if  meadowlarks  and  woodpeckers 
are  killed,  no  one  should  care,"  whereupon  we  tried  to 
show  him  his  error. 

The  ignorance  regarding  the  economic  value  of  our 
songsters  is  woefully  manifest.  Selfish  and  faulty  obser- 
vation condemns  many  birds  unjustly.  Unfortunately 
and  unlike  other  animals,  what  little  harm  our  birds  do  is  done  noisily, 
while  the  good,  results  from  quiet,  busy  work. 

We  are  prone  to  have  abnormally  sharp  eyes  when  touched  in 
a  selfish  way,  but  dull  eyes  when  we  are  losing  nothing.  The  opened 
eyes  of  the  farmer  see  the  meadow  larks  gather  a  few  grains  during 
the  seeding  season,  but  fail  to  see  the  same  birds  working  -in  the 
field,  day  after  day  eating  grasshopper  after  grasshopper,  during  the 
other  seasons  of  the  year,  and  the  birds  are  condemned  to  the  rifle. 
The  selfish  eye  sees  the  woodpecker  peck  a  hole  in  the  barn,  but  fails 
to  notice  the  disappearing  codling  moths  and  other  destructive  insects. 
The  problem  of  arousing  interest  in  bird  life  with  the  subsequent 
change  of  a  biased  view  is  a  large  one,  but  can  be  solved  if  the  school 
children  will  help. 

There  are  too  many  courses  of  study  in  the  general  school  system 
that  seize  the  child  on  his  first  day  at  school,  place  him  in  a  school- 
room high  chair,  and  feed  him  ever  after  on  books.  All  roads  lead  to 
the  high  chair.  The  schools  should  not  wean  the  child  from  all  large, 
active  things,  but  rather  should  center  or  focus  such  upon  the  child 
continuously. 

The  aim  of  this  booklet  and  supplement  is  to  create  an  interest  in 
birds,  toward  the  end  of  their  protection,  and  to  bring  the  children 
from  the  schoolroom  to  the  living  outdoors. 


Why  Birds  Should  Be  Protected 

Do  you  know  of  anything  that  combines  such  joyous  qualities,  such 
delicate  and  gorgeous  colors — Nature  has  drawn  most  lavishly  from 
her  ^experimenting  palette,  the  twilight  sky — such  grace  in  movement, 
and  such  gift  of  song  as  do  the  birds? 

If  you  were  one  of  these  "sky  gems"  sitting  in  the  morning  light, 
singing  to  your  mate,  and  she  secure  in  your  love,  answering  in  sweet 
bird  talk,  when  suddenly  into  this  beautiful  world  should  come  the 
dreaded  "crack,"  and  your  mate  with  eyes  full  of  agony  should  fall 

[2  ] 


i'rqm  the  nest,  would  you  not  fly  and  fly  until  you  dropped  from  exhaus- 
tion, for  nothing  would  matter  now? 

Can  you  solve  the  following  problems?  "Suppose  there  are  50 
apples  in  a  peck;  how  many  might  a  codling  moth  spoil  if  she  lay 
50  eggs  on  as  many  apples,  and  half  of  these  eggs  hatch  female  moths, 
and  in  the  second  brood  again,  each  lay  50  eggs  on  as  many  apples?" 

Ans. — 26  pecks. 

"If  a  Downy  Woodpecker  eats  only  one  codling  moth  larva  each 
day  from  November  to  April  inclusive,  180  days,  what  might  be  the 
value  of  its  work  to  an  orchard  if  apples  are  worth  50  cents  a  bushel?" 

Ans. — $565. 

It  has  been  estimated  that  the  damage  caused  annually  in  three 
states  alone  by  the  codling  moth  amounts  to  nearly  $8,000,000.  The 
moth  spoils  from  25  to  75  per  cent  of  the  apple  crop  of  the  United 
States  and  Canada  each  year. 

Statistics  from  the  United  States  Department  of  Agriculture  for 
1904  show  a  tax  of  $1,195,000,000  imposed  upon  the  people  of  the 
United  States  by  insects  during  that  year. 

"Certain  moths  deposit  hundreds  of  eggs  in  a  season  and  were 
each  egg  to  hatch  and  each  insect  to  come  to  maturity  and  go  on  pro- 
ducing at  the  same  rate  the  entire  earth  in  a  few  years  would  be  car- 
peted with  crawling  caterpillars  and  the  moths  in  flight  would  cover 
the  earth  like  a  blanket  or  fog,"  and  in  four  years  the  foliage  of  the 
United  States  would  be  destroyed. 

In  giving  a  description  of  conditions  after  a  volcanic  eruption, 
which  occurred  in  Guatemala,  a  coffee  planted  said:  "One  of  our 
greatest  troubles  was  that  of  sickness,  owing  to  the  balance  of  nature 
having  been  upset  by  the  eruption,  which,  having  killed  all  the  birds 
for  some  hundreds  of  miles,  enabled  the  flies,  mosquitoes  and  rats  to 
multiply  to  such  an  extent  that  life  to  man  became  nearly  unbearable. 
The  immediate  consequence  was  an  epidemic  of  malaria,  which  cost 
more  lives  than  the  eruption  itself — many  times  more.  It  has  passed 
away,  happily;  the  birds  having  come  again,  the  breeding  of  these 
pests  is  checked,  and  the  district  again  enjoys  the  excellent  reputa- 
tion for  health  that  it  deservedly  had  before." 

Authorities  have  observed  one  pair  of  grosbeaks  feed  their  young 
in  one  day  of  eleven  hours,  800  larvae  of  insects.  Three  thousand 
ants  have  been  found  in  the  stomach  of  a  "flicker"  at  one  time.  Five 
hundred  mosquitoes  were  counted  in  the  stomach  of  a  nighthawk.  A 
pair  of  nesting  wrens  took  more  than  600  insects  from  a  garden  in 
one  day.  Swallows  eat  more  than  1,000  flies  a  day.  The  stomach  of 
a  quail  held  100  potato  beetles.  Another  had  eaten  500  chinch  bugs. 

Bird  authorities  of  Massachusetts  estimate  one  day's  work  by  the 
birds  in  that  state  to  be  the  destruction  of  21,000  bushels  of  insects. 
In  Nebraska  170  carloads  of  insects  are  destroyed  each  day.  While 
thousands  of  insects  are  destroyed  through  other  natural  agencies,  just 
think  for  a  moment  of  the  number  of  insects  all  the  birds  in  the  whole 
United  States  might  destroy  in  one  day  and  in  one  year. 

[3] 


This  chart  shows  the  proportional  amount  of  food   the  different 
birds  eat. 


FOOD  CHAPT 

ROBIN  G«£GO/v 


How  to  Protect  the  Birds 

Build  bird  houses,  report  any  violations  of  the  bird  laws,  watch 
the  cats,  punish  the  blue  jays  and  other  harmful  birds  as  the  law 
punishes  human  beings  that  take  life,  never  put  out  poison,  arrange 
drinking  and  bathing  places,  girls  should  never  wear  birds  in  their 
hats,  never  aid  in  long  imprisonment  of  wild  birds. 


How  to  Study  the  Birds 


First  learn  this  quotation:  "A  bird  in  the  heart  is  wortn  more 
than  a  hundred  in  a  notebook."  Second:  Learn  repose.  Third:  Learn 
to  listen.  Fourth:  Learn  to  see. 

To  study  birds  most  successfully  proceed  to  a  spot  frequented  by 
birds  with  your  notebook  and  if  possible  a  good  binocular  field  glass 
(eight  to  ten  diameters).  Sit  quietly  and  patiently  and  you  will  be  re- 
warded by  some  shy  but  curious  friend.  Raise  your  glasses  slowly 
and  take  a  detailed  description,  following  the  notebook  outline  given 
in  the  supplement  (a  sample  of  the  supplement  is  shown  in  appendix). 
Having  obtained  this,  open  this  booklet  to  the  color  and  size  key — we 
shall  suppose  that  you  have  seen  unknowingly  the  Steller's  Jay — and 

[4] 


look  for  "Birds  Having  Blue  Markings."  Then  look  under  sizes  for 
birds  larger  than  the  robin,  turn  to  the. index,  locate,  and  read  the  de- 
scriptions of  the  birds,  and  you  are  formally  introduced  to  the  new 
friend. 

As  opportunities  offer,  complete  the  study  as  suggested  in  the 
separate  supplement. 

One  of  the  greatest  pleasures  the  birds  may  offer  you  is  through 
their  songs,  so  learn  to  listen  for  and  recognize  the  birds'  voices  at  all 
times,  whether  bird-hunting  or  at  work.  Whenever  a  new  note  is 
heard,  trace  it  to  its  maker.  Accurate  recognition  is  often  dependent 
upon  the  bird's  song  or  call.  If  you  are  musically  inclined,  place  their 
songs  to  notes  and  try  imitating  their  songs  on  musical  instruments. 

Learn  to  see  correctly  and  to  interpret  wisely.  Many  see  the 
apple  pecked  and  the  wheat  kernel  disappear,  -but  do  not  see  the  quick 
efforts  of  the  same  birds  which  mean  the  death  of  a  codling  moth 
larva  (the  small  "worm"  found  in  apples)  or  a  grasshopper.  Culti- 
vate sharp  eyes  for  the  good  work  done  as  well  as  for  the  evil  and 
you  will  have  a  good  basis  for  economic  judgment. 

Life   History  of  the   Codling    Moth. 


<t 

From  drawings  made  by  pupils. 

Some  Bird  Laws 

Federal  laws:  "The  importation  of  the  English  sparrow  and  other 
injurious  birds — is  prohibited." 

All  hunting  or  killing,  etc.,  in  the  Mount  Rainier  and  the  Yellow- 
stone National  parks  is  prohibited. 

State  laws:  All  wild  birds,  excepting  the  Cooper's  Hawk,  the 
Sharp-shinned  Hawk,  the  Duck  Hawk,  the  Great  Horned  Owl,  the  Blue 
Jay,  the  Linnet,  and  the  English  Sparrow  are  protected. 

Any  person  who  in  the  State  of  California,  "shall  at  any  time  hunt, 
shoot,  shoot  at,  pursue,  take,  kill,  or  destroy,  buy,  sell,  give  away,  or 
have  in  his  possession — except  those  above  mentioned — or  shall  rob  the 
nest,  or  take,  sell  or  offer  for  sale,  or  destroy  the  eggs  of  any  wild  bird, 
other  than  those  above  named,  is  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor"  and  is 

[5] 


liable  to  a  heavy  fine  or  imprisonment.  Game  birds  are  not  included 
under  this  head,  but  are  protected  by  the  game  laws. 

Severe  penalties  are  imposed  for  taking  the  eggs  of  quail  and  other 
game  birds. 

The  fine  for  killing  a  Blue  Crane  is  not  less  than  fifty  dollars  and 
possible  imprisonment  of  not  less  than  fifty  days. 

Game  Laws. 

Duck. — Open  season,  October  1st  to  February  15th.  Bag  limit, 
per  day,  35. 

Wilson  Snipe. — Open  season,  October  15th  to  April  1st.  Bag  limit, 
25  per  day. 

Valley  Quail,  Partridge,  Rail,  Curlew,  Ibis,  Plover  or  other  Shore 
Birds. — Open  season,  October  15th  to  February  15th.  Bag  limit,  per 
day,  25. 

Dove. — Open  season,  July  15th  to  October  15th.  Bag  limit,  per 
day,  25. 

Grouse  or  Sage  Hens. — Closed  season  until  September  1st,  1909. 

Swan,  Pheasant,  Bob  White,  Imported  Quail. — Unlawful  to  kill  or 
to  have  in  possession  at  any  time. 

Mountain  Quail. — Open  season,  September  1st  to  February  15th. 

Meadow  Lark,  Robin  and  other  Wild  Birds. — Unlawful  at  any  time 
to  take  or  kill. 

Birds  not  protected. — Which  can  be  killed  at  any  time.  English 
Sparrow,  Sharp  Shinned  Hawk,  Cooper's  Hawk,  Duck  Hawk,  Great 
Horned  Owl,  Blue  Jay,  California  Linnet  and  all  fish-eating  birds  ex- 
cept Sea  Gulls  and  the  blue  and  white  Crane  or  Heron. 

License  to  Hunt. — On  and  after  July  1st,  1907,  every  person  must 
have  a  license  who  hunts,  pursues,  or  kills  any  of  the  wild  birds  and 
animals  protected  by  law. 

License  must  be  carried  at  all  times  when  hunting,  and  exhibited 
to  officers.  License  can  be  procured  from  the  County  Clerk  or  Fish 
Commission. 

License   Fee   Per  Annum. 

To  residents  of  California,  who  are  citizens  of  the  United  States. ...$  1.00 
To  non-residents  of  California,  who  are  citizens  of  the  United 

States  , 10.00 

To  persons  not  citizens  of  the  United  States 25.00 

Any  person  can  hunt  on  his  own  land  without  a  license. 

Fine  for  violation  of  Game  Laws:     $25  to  $500  and  imprisonment". 

Thanks  are  due  Dr.  B.  M.  Davis,  Miss  M.  Crouch,  the  Audubon  So- 
ciety of  California,  and  Chapman's  "Key  to  North  American  Birds"  for 
many  suggestions. 

Chapman's  "Color  Key  to  North  American  Birds,"  Bailey's  "Hand- 
Book  of  North  American  Birds,"  and  Lord's  "First  Book  Upon  the 
Birds  of  Oregon  and  Washington"  are  recommended  for  further  refer- 
ence. 

[6] 


BIRD  GUIDE 


Red-shafted  Flicker— Larger  than  robin;  crown  brownish;  back 
barred  with  black;  throat  bluish  gray;  lining  of  wings  and  tail  red- 
dish; large  black  crescent  on  a  spotted  breast;  large  white  spot  on 
rump. 

California  Woodpecker — About  the  size  of  the  robin;  crown  red; 
sides  of  head  and  upper  parts  black;  rump  and  wing  patches  white; 
breast  with  black  band;  at  rest  the  bird  presents  a  mass  of  black 
with  a  red  cap,  in  flight  one  sees  bars  of  black  and  white. 


Gairdner  Woodpecker — Size  of  the  English  sparrow.  Upper  parts 
black,  marked  with  white;  forehead  white;  white  patch  down  back 
and  rump;  outer  tail  feathers  white,  barred  with  black;  crown  with 
red  stripe  or  crescent. 

Harris  Woodpecker — Not  quite  so  large  as  the  robin;  upper  parts 
black,  with  scarlet  nape;  white  patch  down  back;  wing  black,  or  pos- 
sibly lightly  marked  with  white;  outer  tail  feathers  plain  white;  under 
parts  dingy  gray. 

Willow  Woodpecker — Similar  to  Gairdner  woodpecker,  but  smaller; 
tertails  always  more  or  less  spotted  with  white. 

Red-breasted  Sapsucker — Not  quite  so  large  as  the  robin;  crown, 
head,  nape,  throat  and  breast  dull  red;  back,  wings  and  tail  black 
marked  with  white;  abdomen  yellowish. 

Nuttall  Woodpecker — Smaller  than  robin;  nape  red;  back  barred 
with  black  and  white;  under  parts  a  soiled  white;  sides  spotted  with 
black.  The  convict  stripes  on  back  make  the  bird  easily  recognized. 

Climbers,   Npt  Woodpeckers. 

Slender-billed  Nuthatch — About  the  size  of  the  English  sparrow; 
back  of  head  and  nape  banded  with  a  wide  black  stripe;  back  and 
shoulders  grayish;  white  bars  on  wings;  outer  tail  feathers  white; 
breast  light  gray.  He  runs  up  and  down  the  tree  trunk  regardless  of 
position. 

Red-breasted  Nuthatch — Smaller  than  English  sparrow.  Head  and 
neck  black;  white  stripe  passing  through  and  over  the.  eye  to  the 
shoulder;  upper  parts  bluish  gray;  tail,  dark  with  white  on  tips  of  outer 
tail  of  feathers;  below,  reddish-brown.  Call,  a  drawn-out  nasal  "Yna, 
yna." 

California  Creeper — Smaller  than  English  sparrow;  head  and 
upper  parts  generally  rusty  brown,  becoming  brighter  at  rump;  long 
curved  bill;  under  parts  white.  He  climbs  persistently  in  a  spiral 
about  limbs  and  branches.  The  tail  feathers  are  stiffened  and  pointed 
to  assist  his  creeping. 

Sierra  Creeper — Smaller  than  English  sparrow.  As  its  name  sig- 
nifies it  is  a  mountain  resident.  Similar  to  California  creeper,  but 
colors  are  darker. 

Louisiana  Tanager — Smaller  than  robin;  head,  nape  and  throat 
reddish;  wings  black  with  yellowish  bar;  tail  black;  rest  of  body 
yellow.  These  birds  are  numerous  during  the  fruit  season. 

Northwestern  Red-wing — Size  of  robin;  shoulders  tipped  with  scar- 
let and  white;  the  rest  of  the  body  is  black. 

Bicolored  Blackbird — Similar  to  Northwestern  red-wing,  but  shoul- 
ders are  tipped  with  scarlet,  scarlet  only,  thus  giving  the  bird  its  name 
— two-colored  bird. 

[8] 


Housefinch     or     Linnet 


House  Finch  or  Linnet — About  size  of  English  sparrow;  upper 
parts  brownish  and  white  marked;  head,  throat  and  shoulders  sprin- 
kled with  red;  under  parts  white  streaked  with  red.  The  linnet  is 
sociable  and  seeks  his  home  place  near  dwellings. 

California  Jay — Larger  than  robin;  upper  parts  blue,  middle  of 
back  grayish  brown,  under  parts  a  dirty  white,  except  a  blue  band 
on  breast,  white  line  over  the  eye. 

Steller's  Jay — Larger  than  robin;  fore  part  of  body  bluish  black, 
rear  part  bluish;  indefinite  white  stripes  on  forehead.  The  bird  has 
a  striking  dark  blue  crest  which  he  lowers  during  flight. 

Western  Bluebird — Smaller  than  robin.  Upper  parts  bright  blue 
with  indefinite  rusty  markings  on  foreback;  throat  blue,  breast  rusty 
brown,  abdomen  gray. 

Lazuli  Bunting — Smaller  than  English  sparrow;  throat,  head,  and 
other  upper  parts  blue,  wings  and  tail  black,  breast  banded  with 
brown,  under  parts  white,  wings  barred  with  white. 

Belted  Kingfisher — Larger  than  robin;  bluish  above,  banded  with 
fine  white  lines;  head  large  and  crested;  chin,  throat,  and  band  around 
the  neck  white;  band  on  breast  blue;  abdomen  a  beautiful  soft  white 
shaded  into  brown  on  the  lower  part  of  breast. 

Summer  or  Yellow  Warbler — Smaller  than  English  sparrow;  upper 
parts  yellow,  tinged  with  olive  green;  under  parts  lighter  yellow. 

[9] 


Calaveras  Warbler — Back  olive,  green  running  to  yellow  on  rump; 
throat  and  breast  bright  yellow;  head  and  cheeks  bluish  gray  with 
chocolate  crown  patch;  song  something  like  the  chipping  sparrows. 

Western  Yellow-throat — Forehead  and  cheeks  black,  back  olive- 
green;  throat  and  breast  a  rich  yellow;  black  mask  bordered  with 
white.  He  is  a  shy  songster  and  frequents  the  banks  of  creeks  and 
marshes. 

Lawrence  Goldfinch — Smaller  than  English  sparrow.  Crown, 
throat  and  front  of  cheeks  black;  body  gray;  back  gray  and  yellow; 
outer  tail  feathers  with  white  spots  near  the  end. 


Audubon    Warbler 


Audubon  Warbler — Smaller  than  English  sparrow;  crown,  rump, 
shoulders  and  throat  yellow;  back  blue-gray,  streaked  with  black;  wing- 
bars  white;  breast  light,  marked  with  black. 

Willow  or  California  Goldfinch — Smaller  than  English  sparrow; 
crown,  wings  and  tail  black;  tail  and  wings  marked  with  white;  back 
and  under  par"ts  yellow. 

Arkansas  Goldfinch — Similar  to  willow  goldfinch,  but  back  is 
tinged  with  dark  green  and  the  yellow  is  not  so  bright. 

Ruby-crowned  Kinglet — Smaller  than  English  sparrow;  ut>per  parts 
grayish  olive;  red  crown  patch;  white  ring  around  small  black  eyes; 
under  parts  gray  tinged  with  yellow;  crown  patch  sometimes  undistin- 
guishable. 

Western  Golden-crowned  Kinglet — Smaller  than  English  sparrow; 
upper  parts  olive  green;  crown  yellow;  under  parts  whitish  tinged  with 
brown;  white  line  over  the  eye. 

[10] 


Bullocks    Oriole 


Bullock  Oriole — Smaller  than  robin;  cheeks,  line  over  eye,  and 
most  of  under  parts  orange  running  to  yellow  on  rump  and  outer  tail 
feathers;  center  of  throat,  top  of  head,  forehead,  and  wings  black; 
wings  and  tail  marked  with  white. 

Western  Evening  Grosbeak — Smaller  than  robin;  all  parts  brown- 
ish yellow  except  black  tail  and  wings;  large  white  wing  patches;  fore- 
head yellow;  large  stubby  bill. 

Western  Meadowlark — About  size  of  robin;  upperparts  black,  mot- 
tled with  chestnut  and  buff;  under  parts  yellow  with  black  crescent  on 
breast;  white  bars  on  wings. 

Arkansas  Kingbird — Smaller  than  robin;  throat  white,  running  to 
yellow  on  stomach  and  under  tail.  Upper  parts  dark  gray.  Crown 
patch  orange;  outer  part  of  outer  tail  feathers  white;  tail  feathers  cut 
straight  across.  Often  seen  chasing  other  birds  such  as  jays  and 
hawks. 

Long-tailed  Chat — Larger  than  English  sparrow;  upper  parts  olive 
gray;  head  dark  with  white  line  over  the  eyes;  breast  and  throat  a 
beautiful  rich  yellow;  abdomen  white;  tail  somewhat  longer  than  ordi- 
nary; has  several  individual  calls. 

Bohemian  Waxwing — Smaller  than  robin;  body  soft  fawn  color; 
rump  and  tail  grayish;  throat  and  eye  stripe  black;  tail  tipped  with 
yellow;  wings  marked  with  a  few  red  spots;  abdomen  grayish;  crested. 

Cedar  Waxwing — Smaller  than  robin;  similar  to  above,  but  abdo- 
men yellowish,  not  quite  so  much  white  on  wings. 

[11] 


Water  Ouzel  or  American  Dipper — Little  larger  than  sparrow; 
slate-color  with  brown  head  and  neck;  frequents  water,  particularly 
rapids  or  falls.  His  song  is  remarkably  sweet  and  lively,  and  he  never 
hesitates  when  singing  to  dive  into  the  water  •  and  swim  away  at  a 
lively  rate. 


California     Towhee 

California  Towhee — About  the  size  of  a  robin;  body  generally  dark 
brown  all  over  except  red  under  tail  feathers.  Scratches  for  its  food 
and  lives  near  the  ground;  tail  unusually  long. 

Black-headed  Grosbeak — Smaller  than  robin;  head  black;  neck, 
lower  back,  breast,  and  abdomen  orange;  center  of  abdomen  yellowish; 
white  patches  on  black  wings;  large  stubby  bill;  splendid  songster. 

Female — Head  marked  with  white  bars;  color  less  bright. 

Western  Blue  Grosbeak — Smaller  than  robin;  body  bright  blue; 
darker  on  back;  shoulders  tipped  with  chestnut;  large  stubby  bill. 

American  Crow — Larger  than  robin;  whole  bird  glossy  black. 

Yellow-billed  Magpie — Larger  than  robin;  wings,  tail,  and  most  of 
body  black;  shoulders  and  stomach  white,  bill  yellow. 

Brewer  Blackbird — Smaller  than  robin;  whole  plumage  glossy 
black;  usually  found  in  flocks. 

Western  Black  Phoebe — Smaller  than  robin;  breast  and  head 
black;  back  grayer;  rear  abdomen  and  under  tail-coverts  white;  head 
sometimes  seems  crested,  but  is  not.  Frequents  water  and  bridges. 
Long,  slender  bill. 

[12] 


Oregon  Towhee — Smaller  than  robin;  head,  shoulders,  and  throat 
inky  black;  wings  black,  marked  with  white;  tail  black  with  white 
thumb  marks  on  outer  tail  feathers;  sides  brownish;  abdomen  white. 
Is  usually  found  on  the  ground  scratching  for  its  food. 


yr* 


Oregon    Towhee 

Cassin  Vireo — Smaller  than  sparrow;  upper  parts  gray,  under  parts 
white;  sides  slightly  tinged  with  greenish  yellow;  white  lores  and 
ring  around  eyes;  two  white  wing  bars. 

Mutton  Vireo — Smaller  than  sparrow;  upper  parts  dusky  olive 
green;  under  parts  grayish  white,  with  a  yellow  tinge;  eye  ring  con- 
spicuous; white  line  over  the  eye. 

California  Shrike — Smaller  than  robin;  under  parts  white;  rump 
and  upper  tail-coverts  paler;  wings  and  tail  black  marked  with  white; 
bill  slightly  hooked. 

Plain  Titmouse — Smaller  than  .sparrow;  upper  parts  olive  gray; 
under  parts  running  to  white  on  abdomen;  head  crested. 

Oregon  Junco — Sparrow  size;  head,  neck,  throat,  and  foreback 
black;  back  dark  brown;  abdomen  white;  outer  tail  feathers  white; 
bill  usually  yellow. 

Mourning  Dove — Larger  than  robin;  upper  parts  brownish;  back 
and  wings  marked  with  black  spots;  top  of  head  gray;  under  parts 
brown  tinged  with  pink  on  breast;  outer  tail  feathers  slate  color; 
tail  long  and  rounded.  Flies  with  peculiar  musical  noise. 

Ash-throated  Flycatcher — Size  of  robin;  back  grayish  brown,  outer 
web  of  outer  tail  feathers  whitish;  throat  and  breast  ashy  gray; 
feathers  rough  on  head,  giving  the  appearance  of  a  crest. 

[13] 


Varied  Thrush — About  size  of  robin;  similar  to  robin  generally, 
but  with  black  breast  band;  rusty  brown  line  over  each  eye;  breast 
not  so  reddish;  call,  a  mournful  whistle. 


Varied     Thrush 


Pipit  or  American  Tit-lark — Sparrow  size;  upper  parts  grayish 
brown,  somewhat  streaked;  under  parts  buff,  breast  with  indefinite 
black  collar.  After  lighting  tetters  up  and  down.  Has  a  soft  dee-dee 
in  flight. 

Western  Gnatcatcher — Smaller  than  sparrow;  upper  parts  bluish 
gray;  under  parts  grayish  white;  outer  tail  feathers  white. 

Park  man  Wren — Smaller  than  sparrow;  upper  parts  brown;  all 
but  head  streaked  with  dusky  lines;  under  parts  buffy;  tail  held  pertly 
in  the  air. 

Tule  Wren — Smaller  than  sparrow;  crown  and  forehead  black; 
forehead  streaked;  white  streak  over  eye;  rump  brown;  under  parts 
brownish  white;  outer  tail  feathers  dark. 

Northwestern  Vigor's  Wren — Smaller  than  sparrow;  similar  to 
Parkman  Wren,  but  with  a  white  line  over  the  eye. 

California  Thrasher — Larger  than  robin;  upper  parts  grayish 
brown;  abdomen  buff;  breast  gray;  white  throat;  long  curved  bill. 

Coast  Wren-tit — Little  larger  than  English  sparrow;  upper  parts 
brownish,  under  parts  pinkish,  streaked  with  gray;  sides  and  back 
dark. 

[HI 


Western  House  Wren — Smaller  than  English  sparrow;  upper  parts 
grayish  cinnamon  brown;  under  parts  grayish  tinged  with  brown; 
back  barred;  tail  held  at  an  abrupt  angle  with  body;  call,  a  scolding 
ker-ring. 

English  Sparrow — Throat  and  upper  breast  black;  crown  gray; 
band  behind  eye  and  on  nape  brown.  Under  parts  dirty  white;  back 
wings  and  rump  brown  streaked  with  black.  Black  patch  on  breast 
very  distinct. 


Western     Robin 


Western  Robin — Head  dark;  upper  parts  slate  gray;  wings  and 
tail  darker;  breast  rust-brown;  abdomen  white.  Found  usually  feed- 
ing near  the  ground. 

Western  Chipping  Sparrow — Smaller  than  English  sparrow;  un- 
der parts  streaked  gray,  brown  streak  on  head;  light  under  parts. 

Heerman  Song  Sparrow — Size  English  sparrow.  Above  brownish 
olive-gray  with  distinct  black  streaks;  tail  without  a  decided  rufous 
tinge;  black  and  brown  stripes  below  radiating  from  throat. 

San  Diego  Sparrow — Similar  to  Heerman  song  sparrow^  but  lighter 
and  smaller. 

Thick-billed  Sparrow — Larger  than  English  sparrow.  Above  and 
spots  below  brownish  gray;  wings  and  tail  brown;  bill  large. 

Western  Lark  Sparrow — Upper  parts  brownish  gray  streaked  with 
black;  head  and  throat  marked  with  black  streaks  radiating  from  bill; 
chestnut  patch  on  side  of  head;  under  parts  white;  black  spot  on 
breast. 

[15] 


White-crowned  Sparrow — Size,  English  sparrow.  Head  black  with 
three  white  stripes;  stripe  over  eye  not  reaching  bill;  upper  parts 
gray,  streaked  with  brown;  rump  browner;  under  parts  whitish. 

Western  Tree  Sparrow — Sparrow  size.  Upper  parts  rufous,  also 
space  between  eyes  on  the  head;  middle  of  back  buffy -streaked  with 
black  and  red;  white  bars  on  wings;  under  parts  light;  small  dark 
spot  on  breast  often  indefinite. 

California  Bush-Tit — Smaller  than  sparrow.  Back  grayish  brown; 
crown  lighter;  under  parts  paler.  The  Bush-Tit  builds  its  nest  low  in 
trees.  It  is  a  long,  pendent  affair,  much  larger  than  seems  necessary 
for  so  small  a  bird.  He  is  our  most  expert  architect  and  builder. 

Dwarf  Hermit  Thrush — About  sparrow  size.  Upper  parts  olive 
brown;  top  of  head  and  rump  browner  than  back;  tail  burnt  amber; 
under  parts  buffy;  breast  spotted  brown;  legs  very  slender.  A  very 
tidy,  graceful  bird.  Call,  a  peculiar  low  chuck. 

Russet-backed  Thrush — Larger  than  English  sparrow.  Upper 
parts  rufous;  cheeks  and  under  parts  buffy;  breast  marked  with 
brown,  wedge-shaped  spots.  Call,  a  round,  short  whistle  (pint).  Also 
sings  a  melodious  thrush  song,  particularly  as  evening  draws  near. 

Golden-crowned  Sparrow — Back  brown,  streaked  with  black;  two 
white  bars  on  wings;  under  parts  grayish  white.  Golden  spot  on  a 
rather  dark  head;  breast  tinged  with  brown. 

California  Horned  Lark — Back  of  head  and  neck  cinnamon;  back 
streaked  with  brownish  black;  throat  yellow,  with  black  patch  on 
breast;  two  erect  feathers  on  head  give  the  appearance  of  horns. 
Found  in  open  fields. 

Western  Martin — Nearly  rob.in  size.  Upper  parts  shiny  black; 
under  parts  somewhat  lighter.  Builds  nest  in  trunks  of  trees  and 
eaves  of  buildings. 

Barn  Swallow — Larger  than  English  sparrow.  Upper  parts  blue- 
black,  forehead  chestnut;  chin  and  throat  chestnut;  abdomen  whitish; 
tail  forked.  Builds  nest  under  eaves  of  buildings. 

Cliff  Swallow — Smaller  than  barn  swallow.  Upper  parts  black; 
back  streaked  with  white;  throat,  forehead  and  rump  brownish:  ab- 
domen light;  tail  not  forked  to  any  extent.  Builds  in  cliffs. 

Tree  Swallow — About  size  of  English  sparrow.  Upper  parts  me- 
tallic blue  or  green;  under  parts  white;  tail  slightly  forked.  Builds 
nests  in  holes  of  trees. 

Bank  Swallow — Smaller  than  English  sparrow.  Under  parts  white, 
grayish-brown  band  across  breast;  upper  parts  olive  brown. 

Anna  Hummingbird — Much  smaller  than  English  sparrow.  Upper 
parts  glistening  green;  crown  and  throat  shiny  pink;  feathers  at  side 
of  throat  lengthened  (male) ;  below  white  and  green. 

Rufous  Hummingbird — Upper  parts  reddish-brown;  upper  back 
sometimes  greenish;  tail  brown  with  black  band  at  base. 

Black-chinned  Hummingbird — Upper  parts  greenish,  chin  and 
upper  throat  black;  tail  forked,  feathers  pointed. 

[16] 


California  Chickadee — Smaller  than  English  sparrow.  Upper  parts 
grayish,  tinged  with  brown;  head  and  throat  black;  abdomen  white; 
sides  slightly  tinged  with  brown. 

Lutescent  Warbler — Smaller  than  English  sparrow.  Upper  parts 
olive  green;  underparts  yellow;  wings  darker  with  indications  of  white. 

Traill  Flycatcher — Smaller  than  English  sparrow.  Upper  parts 
light  olive  brown  or  dark  gray;  under  parts  grayish;  indications  of 
white  around  eyes. 

Western  Gull — Larger  than  crow.  Head,  neck,  tail,  and  under 
parts  white;  back  gray;  outer  parts  of  wings  black;  bill  long  and  en- 
larged near  end.  Found  about  San  Francisco  bay. 

Western  Nighthawk — Robin  size.  Upper  parts  brown,  black,  and 
white  spots;  under  parts  with  same  color,  but  more  uniformly  ar- 
ranged; tail  slightly  forked;  bill  very  short,  and  broad  at  base. 

Valley  Partridge  or  Quail — Robin  size.  Upper  parts  grayish  brown; 
under  parts  white  and  black,  washed  with  brown;  forehead  and  throat 
black  with  white  border.  Plume  falls  forward  toward  bill. 

Mountain  Partridge  or  Quail — Little  larger  than  robin.  All  of 
upper  parts  brownish-gray;  throat  chestnut  with  white  band;  breast 
grayish;  sides  and  abdomen  washed  with  brown.  Plume  long  and 
slender,  droops  toward  back. 

Turkey  Vulture  or  Turkey  Buzzard — Larger  than  crow.  Black  all 
over  except  head  and  neck,  which  are  red  and  unfeathered. 


Great     Blue     Heron 
[17] 


Great  Blue  Heron — Much  larger  than  crow.  Generally  blue;  center 
of  crown  white;  crest,  legs  black,  black  markings  on  under  parts;  neck 
and  legs  very  loHg.  In  flight  the  neck  is  doubled. 

Sandhill  Crane — Much  larger  than  crow.  -Body  brownish-gray; 
long  legs  and  bill. 

Barn  Owl  or  Monkey-faced  Owl — Larger  than  robin.  Upper  parts 
grayish-brown  spotted;  under  parts  white  speckled  with  brown;  large 
white  eye-rings  nearly  hiding  bill;  eyes  black. 

California  Pigmy  Owl — Smaller  than  robin;  upper  parts  grayish 
brown,  with  rusty  spots;  top  of  h^ead  spotted. 

Snowy  Owl — Much  larger  than  crow.  Body  white  with  some  black 
markings. 

Killdeer — Robin  size.  Rump  and  upper  tail  feathers  rusty;  other 
upper  parts  grayish-brown;  under  parts  white  with  two  black  bantis  on 
breast;  white  band  around  neek.  x 

Western  Red-tail  (Hawk) — Colors  vary,  usually  sooty-brown,  and 
rusty  mixed.  Tail  red  with- black  bars. 

Red-bellied  Hawk — Upper  parts  rusty  brown;  under  parts  white, 
washed  lightly  with  brown;  breast  unbroken  brown;  under  tail  whitish 
marked  with  black  bars. 


18 


Color  and  Size  Key 


English  Sparrow.  —  Length,  6.3  inches,. 
Robin.  —  Length,  10  inches. 
Crow.  —  Length,  19.3  inches. 

(R)  size  of  robin;  (Rx)  larger  than  robin;  (R-)  smaller  than  robin; 
(S)  size  of  sparrow;  (Sx)  larger  than  sparrow;  (S-)  smaller  than  spar- 
row; (C)  size  of  crow;  -(Cx)  larger  than  crow;  (C-)  smaller  than  crow. 


CLIMBERS    AND    WOODPECKERS. 


Red-shafted   Flicker (Rx) 

California  Woodpecker (R  ) 

Gairdner  Woodpecker (R-) 

Harris  Woodpecker (R-) 

Willow   Woodpecker (R-) 


Sierra   Creeper (S-) 


Red-breasted     Sapsucker (R-) 

Nuttall    Woodpecker (R-) 

Red-breasted  Nuthatch ( S-) 

Slender-billed   Nuthatch (S  ) 

California   Creeper (S-) 


BIRDS    WITH     RED    MARKINGS. 
Not   in   I. 


Louisiana   Tanager ( Sx) 

Northwestern  Red-wing (R  ) 


Bi-colored   Blackbird (R  ) 

House-Finch   (S  ) 


BIRDS    WITH     BLUE    MARKINGS. 

California    Jay (Rx)       Western  Blue  Grosbeak 

Steller  Jay (Rx)       Belted  Kingfisher 

Western   Bluebird (R-)       Great  Blue  Heron 

Lazuli  Bunting (S-) 


(R-) 

(Rx) 

....(Cx) 


[19] 


BIRDS    WITH     YELLOW     OR     ORANGE     MARKINGS. 


Lutescent   Warbler (S-) 

Yellow  Warbler (S-) 

Calaveras  Warbler ( S-) 

-Western  Yellowthroat ( S-) 

—Lawrence   Goldfinch (S-) 

Audubon  Warbler (S-) 

Willow   Goldfinch (S-) 

-Arkansas  Goldfinch (S-) 

Ruby-crowned  Kinglet ( S-) 


Western  Golden-crowned  King- 
let     (S-) 

Bullock's    Oriole (R-) 

Western  Evening  Grosbeak (R-) 

Arkansas    Kingbird (R-) 

Long-tailed  Chat (R-) 

Bohemian  Waxwing (R-) 

Cedar  Waxwing (R-) 

Western   Meadowlark....         ....(R  ) 


BIRDS     WITH     REDDISH     BROWN     MARKINGS. 

Western   Robin (R  )       California  Towhee (R  ) 

Varied  Thrush (R  )       Oregon  Towhee (R-) 

Black-headed    Grosbeak (R-) 


BIRDS    WITH     BLACK    OR    BLACK   AND    WHITE     MARKINGS. 


American  Crow (C  ) 

Yellow-billed  Magpie (Rx) 

Turkey   Vulture (Cx) 

Western    Martin (R  ) 

Brewer  Blackbird (R-) . 


WTestern  Black  Phoebe (R-) 

Red-winged  Blackbird (R-) 

Barn  Swallow (R-) 

Cliff  Swallow (R-) 

Tree  Swallow (R-) 


BIRDS    WITH    SLATY    OR    GRAY    MARKINGS. 


Cassin's   Vireo (S-) 

Chipping  Sparrow (S-) 

Button  Vireo (S-) 

San  Diego  Sparrow (S-) 

Plain   Titmouse ,... (S-) 

Traill  Flycatcher (S-) 

Western  Gnatcatcher ( S-) 

California  Chickadee ( S-) 

California   Shrike (R-) 

Thick-billed   Sparrow (R-) 


English  Sparrow (S  ) 

White-crowned  Sparrow (S  ) 

Oregon  Junco  (S  ) 

Western   Lark   Sparrow (S  ) 

Pipit   (S) 

Heerman  Song  Sparrow (S  ) 

Sandhill  Crane (Cx) 

Mourning  Dove (Rx) 

Western  Gull (C  ) 

Snowy  Owl (Cx) 


Ash-throated  Flycatcher (R) 


BIRDS     MARKED    CHIEFLY     BROWN     AND    STREAKED 


Parkman  Wren (S-) 

Tule  Wren (S-) 

Northwestern  Vigor's  Wren....(S-T 

Western  House  Wren (S-) 

Water  Ouzel (S-) 

Bank  Swallow (S-) 

Coast   Wren-Tit (S-) 

Dwarf  Hermit  Thrush (S  ) 

Russet-backed  Thrush (Sx) 

Golden-crowned  Sparrow ( Sx) 


California  Horned  Lark (Sx) 

California  Pigmy  Owl (Sx) 

Nighthawk    (R  ) 

Valley  Partridge  or  Quail ,.(R) 

Mountain   Patridge (R  ) 

Killdeer  (R  ) 

Western   Red-tail (Rx) 

Red-bellied  Hawk (Rx) 

Barn  Owl (Rx) 

Cal.    Thrasher (Rx) 


HUMMINGBIRDS. 

Anna    Hummingbird (S-)       Rufous    Hummingbird (S-) 

Black-chinned    Hummingbird..  ( S-) 


[20] 


NOTES 


(To  be  used  with  bird  study  outline) 


Size. — Compare  with  English   sparrow,   robin  and  crow. 

Description. — Follow   points   as  indicated  on   the   cut,   giving  colors   of  crown, 
.    nape,   back,   rump,   etc.,   indicating  differences   between   male  and  female. 

Movements. — Hop,  run,  bob  head  or  tail  or  both,  sit  quietly  or  flit  about  con- 
tinuously, nervous  or  deliberate. 

Song. — Harsh,  sweet,  notes  long  drawn  out  or  in  series,  variety  of  notes, 
one  or  more  calls,  call  in  flight  or  at  rest  or  both,  what  does  the  bird 
seems  to  say  in  our  words. 

Flight. — Direct,  zigzagging,  diving,  sailing,  undulating,  or  combinations  of 
these. 

Habitat. — Trees  (high  up  or  low  do.wn),  shrubs,  ground,  buildings,  water. 
Localities  Frequented. — Meadows,   forests,   orchards,   homes,   foothills. 
Food.— Insects,   grain,   fruit,   seeds,   vegetables.    (Determine   economic  value.) 

Points  Peculiar  to  This  Bird. — Bill  short  and  stubby,  seed  eater;  or  long  and 
slender,  broad  at  base,  insect  eater;  or  long  and  very  slender,  nectar 
gatherer;  or  stout  and  hooked,  flesh  tearers;  or  long  and  chisel-shaped, 
woodpecker.  Feet,  wide  toes,  webbed  toes,  arrangement,  toes  for 
climbing,  scratching,  perching,  or  grasping. 

Tail. — Feathers  stiff  and  pointed,    forked  or  rounded.    • 

Remarks.- — Points  not  covered  by  the  outline:  Striking  characteristics 
in  color,  habits,  food,  etc.  Birds  seen  in  flocks,  pairs,  or  single;  nest 
building";  raising  of  young;  food  of  nestlings,  etc. 


[21J 


Bird  Study  Outline 


Date 


Description:  Forehead 

Nape —                         —Back- 
Tail . Bill- 


-Size- 


,rown- 


Rump 
Chin — 


Throat 
Breast- 


Lores 


Ahdomen 


Movements 
Song 


Flight 


Habitat 


Localities    Frequented- 
Food  


Points  Peculiar  to  this  Bird 


[22] 


This  supplement  for  field  study  is  a  separate  book  containing  pages  as  illus- 
trated here.  There  is  room  for  the  careful  study  of  twenty  birds  in  outline 
and  in  drawing.  Price  10  cents. 


Name  of  Bird 


NOTE. — A  crayon  drawing  or  a  painting  should  be  made  of  the  bird  being  studied  and  pasted 
lightly  to  this  page.  The  outline  may  be  traced,  but  the  markings  should  be  taken  from  the 
bird  in  the  field. 

[23] 


INDEX 


Page 

American  Crow 12 

Anna  Hummingbird   1<> 

Arkansas    Goldfinch 10 

Arkansas  Kingbird  • 11 

Ash-throated    Flycatcher 13 

Pank   Swallow   16 

Barn    Owl    18 

Barn  Swallow  16 

Belted  Kingfisher  9 

Bi-colored   Blackbird 8 

Black-chinned     Hummingbird 16 

Black-headed  Grosbeak 12 

Bohemian    Waxwing 11 

Brewer   Blackbird '. 12 

Bullocks   Oriole   11 

Calaveras  Warbler  10 

California  Bush-tit  16 

California  Chickadee  17 

California    Creeper 8 

California  Horned   Lark 16 

California    Jay 9 

California  Pigmy  Owl 18 

California   Thrasher. 14 

California    Towhee 12 

California  Woodpecker  7 

Cassin  Vireo  13 

Cedar    Waxwing   11 

Coast  Wren-tit  14 

Dwarf  Hermit  Thrush 16 

English    Sparrow 15 

•Gairdner   Woodpecker 8 

Golden-crowned    Sparrow 16 

Great   Blue    Heron 18 

Harris    Woodpecker 8 

Heerman  Song  Sparrow 15 

Housefinch  or  Linnet 9 

Mutton   Vireo 13 

Killdeer 18 

Lawrence    Goldfinch 10 

Lazuli  Bunting  9 

Long-tailed   Chat 11 

Louisiana  Tanager  8 

Lutescent  Warbler... 17 

Mountain   Partridge   17 

Mourning.  Dove   13 

Nighthawk     17 

Northwestern  Vigor's  Wren 14 

Northwestern  Red-wing  or  Red- 
winged  Blackbird   8 

Notes,  to  be  used  with  Supple- 
mentary  Outline   21 

Nuttall  Woodpecker  ...  S 


Page 

Oregon  Junco  13 

Oregon    Towhee    13 

Parkman  Wren   14 

Pipit    14 

Plain    Titmouse 13 

Quail   17 

Red-bellied    Hawk 18 

Red-breasted   Nuthatch.... 8 

Red-breasted    Sapsucker 8 

Red-shafted    Flicker.... 7 

Red-winged  Blackbird  or  North- 
western Red-wing 8 

Ruby-crowned    Kinglet 10 

Rufous   Hummingbird '. 16 

Russet-backed  Thrush 16 

San  Diego    Sparrow.. 15 

Sandhill    Crane 18 

Sierra  Creeper 8 

Slender-billed    Nuthatch 8 

Snowy   Owl   18 

Steller's   Jay 9 

Sunplementary  Pages,  Bird  Out- 
line     :..22-  23 

Thick-billed   Soarrow 15 

Traill    Flycatcher 17 

Tree  Swallow 16 

Tule   Wren 14 

Turkey   Vulture 17 

Valley  Partridge  or  Quail 17 

Varied   Thrush 14 

Water  Ouzel 12 

Western  Black  Phoebe 12 

Western  Blue  Grosbeak 12 

Western   Bluebird 9 

Western  Chipping  Snarrow 15 

Western    Evening    Grosbeak 11 

Western    Gnatcatcher 14 

Western  Golden-crowned  Kinglet  10 

Western    Gull 17 

Western  House  Wren 15 

Western  Lark  Sparrow 15 

Western    Martin 16 

Western   Meadowlark 10 

Western    Red-tail 18 

Western   Robin 15 

Western  Tree  Sparrow 16 

Western    Yellow-throat 10 

\Yhite-crowned    Sparrow 11 

Willow    Goldfinch 18 

Willow    Woodpecker 8 

Yellow-billed   Magpie 12 

Yellow  Warbler....  9 


THIS 


DATE 


AN  INITIAL  FINE  OF  25  CENTS 

WILL  BE  ASSESSED   FOR   FAILURE  TO  RETURN 
™S   B^OK  ON   THE  DATE   DUE.   THE  PENALTY 

w,LL  INCREASE  TO  so  CENTS  ON  THE  FOURTH 

OAY  AND  TO  *1.00  O*  THE  SEVENTH  DAY 
OVERDUE 


